SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Friday 21st March 1941 .

Copy on cp/86

“Picture Post” Request for extra paper for a special number “PLAN FOR BRITAIN”.

Picture Post in a letter from Hopkinson to Mr. Robert Fraser dated March 14th is petitioning for paper in order to produce a special edition on the lines of the American Number which ran into 172 pages as against the normal 44. The special edition is to expand the “Plan for Britain”, already publicised in the Jan 4th issue.

I have read through the past history of the M.O.I's relations with Picture Post and it appears to be quite clear that, since the request is by the Editor of Picture Post to us for assistance, and not by us to him, (of abortive Empire Edition) there is no justification for any departure from the gentlemen's agreement with the Periodical Proprietors Association. The only result of giving Picture Post the extra paper would be to discriminate against their rivals by boosting the circulation of Picture Post both at home and abroad with little or no apparent advantage to the Ministry.

In his letter to Hulton of Jan 26th the D.G. stated that he did not feel precluded from considering any exceptional case for a special number by the undertaking to the P.P.A.; and that is my reason for asking the Board to consider the question, and I hope support me in the view which I have expressed that the request should be refused.

(Initialled) D.

20th March 1941.